Madrid is getting ready to receive one of the most anticipated events of the year: in less than 24 hours, the city will once again be filled with lights, music and shows with the official inauguration of the Christmas lights. As every season, thousands of people will take to the streets to witness the moment when the capital welcomes Christmas.
The Community of Madrid has allocated 6.1 million euros to the installation of this lighting display, which covers 240 sites and all 21 districts: monumental trees, decorative figures and renewed designs will once again transform the image of the city over the next few weeks.
When will the Christmas lights be turned on in Madrid?
This year, the lighting will be accompanied by a special program: the inaugural event will take place on November 22 at 7:30 p.m., with a show in Plaza de Cibeles that will include a 3D projection under the title The Energy of Christmas and a live concert by Pablo López. The lighting will be activated by the driver Carlos Sainz.
In total, Madrid will have a total of 157 kilometers of chains, 126 luminous cherry trees and more than 13 million LED lights, installed under energy efficiency and light impact reduction criteria.
Which streets will be illuminated
The capital city is once again displaying some of its most traditional spots and others that have already become Christmas lighting landmarks. Among the most visited spaces, the following stand out:
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Gran Vía, the usual starting point for those who travel the city on foot.
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The monumental tree located at the intersection with Alcalá Street.
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The giant candle installed in the Nuevos Ministerios area.
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The luminous angels of the Plaza de Carlos V.
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The Great Infant Jesus of the Puente de Ventas.
Several decorative figures will also be distributed throughout the city, including a giant ball between Bailén and Plaza de España, a luminous menina in Paseo del Prado, a monumental star in Cea Bermúdez or the winter garden in Bravo Murillo.
In addition to these installations, the traditionally illuminated streets, such as Arenal, Montera, Preciados, Mayor, the Retiro entrance, and the axis that links Alcalá, Sol and Cibeles, one of the busiest stretches at this time of the year, are also illuminated.
Lighting schedules: how it changes according to the day
The switching on of the Christmas lights in Madrid not only depends on the inauguration date, but also has a specific calendar that regulates the hours in which they will remain active.
This system makes it possible to adapt energy consumption to the flow of visitors each day and, at the same time, to ensure that the city maintains its festive atmosphere at peak times.
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Sunday to Thursday: from 6:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m.
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Friday and Saturday: from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
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December 24 and January 5: from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
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December 31: from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
In this way, the City Council adapts the Christmas show to the different needs of the city throughout the festive period.
